WO2006075677A1

WO2006075677A1 - Communication network control system

Info

Publication number: WO2006075677A1
Application number: PCT/JP2006/300324
Authority: WO
Inventors: Shohei Yamada; Tetsuro Moriwaki; Keiichi Hibi
Original assignee: Sharp Kabushiki Kaisha
Priority date: 2005-01-17
Filing date: 2006-01-13
Publication date: 2006-07-20
Also published as: EP1848163A1; JPWO2006075677A1

Abstract

A communication network control system realizes a smooth and seamless terminal switching guaranteeing continuity of communication in the application level. The communication network control system includes: a mobility management unit (3) for setting and managing a physical and logical transmission route with a communication terminal (23) and a communication partner (17) by performing route control of the data packet transmission; a session control unit (5) for controlling a session with a communication terminal (23) and a communication partner (17) on the transmission path; a service shift control unit (21) for transmitting a session switching request signal instructing switching of the session from the communication terminal (23) to a switching destination communication terminal (25), to the session control unit (5); and a user-associated information collecting/providing unit (31) for collecting a user profile including user location information, a user network state, and user’s hobby and taste, and a device profile including a device type and a device network connection state, from various function elements of the network , the user, the user terminal, and a user peripheral device so as to provide user-associated information.

Description

Specification

Communication network control system

Technical field

TECHNICAL FIELD [0001] The present invention relates to a terminal switching technique in a communication network that provides a mobile communication service. More specifically, the present invention is interrupted when a user switches a terminal that is being used to a different terminal during communication. This relates to seamless terminal switching technology that can continue communication without any problems.

Background art

In recent years, network services represented by the Internet and the rapid spread and expansion of mobile phones are expected to realize more advanced communication services. Mobile phones provide a so-called handover function and mobility management function that allow communication to continue even if a user moves while holding a terminal. Realization of a function that can continue communication even if the terminal is changed is desired.

When the communication network expands and develops and various terminals can be connected to the network, the user comes to have various communication terminals that can be connected to the communication network. These communication terminals include not only portable terminals such as mobile phones but also information devices such as stationary home appliances installed in the home such as TV receivers (hereinafter referred to as information devices). ) Will also be used as a communication terminal.

[0004] On the other hand, on the communication network side, by providing a common IP backbone utilizing IP (Internet Protocol) communication technology established by the development of the Internet, access means such as wireless and wired, network operators, It makes it easy to enjoy common services on various communication terminals without being conscious of differences in service providers.

[0005] When this happens, the user can freely use his or her own communication terminal such as a mobile communication terminal, PDA, personal computer, or other information device according to the current situation or preference of the user. When they can be used properly, even if the service is the same, a request to use the service is generated depending on the terminal that the user owns and selects at that time. Further, it is assumed that a terminal is desired to be switched to another terminal during communication. In that case Therefore, it is necessary to realize the user's request to seamlessly switch to another terminal without interruption while maintaining the communication state without disconnecting the communication and reconnecting to another terminal.

[0006] Specifically, video content was viewed by streaming distribution on a personal computer at home, but when going out, the same content was used on the terminal that was switched to a mobile communication terminal or PDA and carried to the outside. There is an example to continue watching. Another example is when you are away from home while you are communicating with the other party on the videophone, so you can switch to your home TV and continue the videophone communication with the other party.

[0007] In realizing seamless terminal switching as described above, when multicast-type distribution is received, transmission side terminal power is directed to a plurality (unspecified number) of communication terminals with the same content data. Since they are distributed at the same time, terminal switching can be realized relatively easily if the receiving terminal is connected to the transmitting terminal so that the data is also received by the switching destination terminal.

[0008] However, in the case of unicast distribution or one-to-one communication that is distributed only to a specific terminal, the transmission side terminal is instructed to interrupt communication once and the switching destination After connecting the terminal to the transmitting terminal, it is necessary to notify the switchover of the receiving terminal and restart the communication.

FIG. 7 shows an example of terminal switching in such a conventional communication network control system. In the example of FIG. 7, the user switches the communication terminal (# 1) 203 used for communication to the communication terminal (# 2) 205. First, the user transmits control information as indicated by an arrow 221 from the communication terminal (# 1) 203 that is receiving data to the server device 201 on the distribution side to instruct the interruption of the distribution. Next, the control information indicated by the arrow 224a for requesting disconnection of the communication connection with the server apparatus 201 is sent to the control apparatus 213 in the communication network to disconnect the communication.

[0010] Next, when the user sends a connection request to the server apparatus 201 as shown by an arrow 225 from the communication terminal (# 2) 205, which is the switching destination, to the communication network control apparatus 213. The control device 213 sets a communication path between the communication terminal (# 2) 205 and the server device 201 in the communication network, and sets a connection between the devices. Next, the communication terminal (# 2) When the control information for instructing the restart of the distribution indicated by the arrow 224b is sent from 213 to the server apparatus 201, the server apparatus 201 sends the data at the moment when the distribution is interrupted, so that the user The communication terminal (# 2) 205 can be used to receive subsequent data, that is, terminal switching can be performed.

[0011] Here, the address information of the server device 201 for the switching destination communication terminal (# 2) 205 to connect to the server device 201 is transmitted by the user using the communication terminal (# 2) It is specified by means such as operating 205 to input. In this example, the control device 213 of the communication network only controls connection and disconnection between the communication terminal (# 1) 203 or the communication terminal (# 2) 205 and the server device 201, and controls to switch the terminal. It does not have a function, and switching of terminals is realized by the communication interruption and restart functions in the communication terminal and server device.

FIG. 8 shows a conventional example of another method for switching terminals. The communication terminal (# 1) 303 on the receiving side sends control information for instructing interruption of distribution to the distribution side server apparatus 301 as indicated by an arrow 321 when switching terminals. When the user performs a transfer operation after the communication with the server device 301 is held, the communication terminal (# 1) 303 sends the server device 301 and the communication device to the communication network control device 313 as indicated by an arrow 332. Sends control information requesting that the connection between the two be transferred to the communication terminal (# 2) 305.

[0013] The control device 313 that has received the control information sends out control information instructing connection to the server device 301 to the communication terminal (# 2) 305 as indicated by an arrow 333, thereby communicating with the communication terminal (# 2) When a call is made to 305 and communication terminal (# 2) 305 responds to the call as indicated by arrow 334, a communication path is established between communication terminal (# 2) 305 and server device 301. Establish a connection by setting.

[0014] Thereafter, as indicated by an arrow 335, control information is transmitted and received between the transfer source communication terminal (# 1) 303 and the control device 313. When the connection is disconnected, the communication terminal (# 2) 305 sends the control information for requesting resumption of the pending communication indicated by the arrow 324 to the server device 301, whereby the communication terminal (# 2) 305

(# 2) 305 receives the following data. In this example, the control device 313 in the communication network has a control function for transferring a call to another terminal. The control device 313 does not have a function of controlling interruption / resumption of data transmission / reception between the communication terminal Z server devices, and does not guarantee communication continuity, that is, seamless switching (Non-Patent Document 1). .

[0015] FIG. 2 shows a configuration example of third generation mobile communication in which a standard is defined by 3GPP as a conventional communication network configuration. IMS (IP Multimedida CN Subsystem) aims to provide IP multimedia services in a packet switching system, and for this purpose, a session control function is arranged in the network 101. SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is adopted as the session control protocol. CSCF105 is a call state control function, and HSS103 (Home Subscriber) is used as a SIP registration server.

Server), perform user registration processing, transfer session information, and control call connection. It also has an interface to interact with the application server to provide services. The HSS 103 manages user subscriber information and location information. MRF107 (Media Resource Function) performs media stream resource control, media composition in multimedia conferencing, and media stream conversion. Also, media conversion when connecting to PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Neuralk) is performed by MGCF (MediaGateway Control Function) and MGW (MediaGateway). However, if the service continues to be provided to the terminal 123Z 125, which performs wireless access 115 via the communication partner 117, the network 101, and the packet network 111, there will be no mechanism (see Non-Patent Document 2). .

Non-Patent Document 1: Amagasaki et al. “Mopile Network All—Special Feature on IP”, NTT DoCoMo Technical Journal Vol. 10 No. 4 January 2003, p.

Non-Patent Document 2: 3GPP TS22.228 V5. 6.0.

Disclosure of the invention

Problems to be solved by the invention

However, in any of the conventional examples described above, continuity is ensured by holding and restarting communication between the communication terminal and the server device, that is, between the end and the end, when switching terminals. It is not a technology that guarantees seamless seamless switching. That is, any of the above-described conventional examples communicate with the server device, that is, data By providing a function to hold the transmission and requesting the restart of the data transmission from another communication terminal after holding it, the terminal switching is apparently realized. When the content stored in the server device is distributed to a communication terminal in one direction, or when performing one-to-one two-way real-time communication such as a television phone, etc. Functions can be realized.

[0017] However, when the upper communication application has a state corresponding to the transmission data, for example, a joint work of executing the continuation of the communication type game on another terminal or editing the same document while communicating However, there is a problem that it is difficult to notify the state of the communication application to the switching destination terminal.

[0018] That is, even for services such as videophones and content distribution, end-end applications such as applications that use a large number of media at the same time, and applications that use various content Z information in cooperation with each other. When multiple communications (connections) are set between them, there is a problem that the process and procedure for switching to another terminal becomes complicated.

[0019] There are the following problems.

[0020] 1) In order to receive content in the optimal communication mode (bit rate, resolution, etc.) according to the terminal capability in conjunction with terminal switching, network service quality (bit rate, delay, etc.) It is difficult to provide services linked to communication network control that appropriately controls the network.

[0021] 2) In addition, it is possible to determine the power of performing appropriate switching of the above service quality on the network control side, the power of performing on the communication partner side, or determining the switching of the service quality according to the user's preference. Is difficult.

[0022] 3) In addition, there is a problem that it is difficult to provide a service for controlling which terminals exist in the vicinity and which terminals should be switched to.

[0023] The present invention provides a seamless and ubiquitous service environment in which a user does not need to be aware of differences in conventional wired 'wireless networks and services, differences in types of communication terminals, and the like. Objective.

Means for solving the problem [0024] A communication network control system according to the present invention comprises a mobility management means for performing path control of data packet transfer to set and manage a physical and logical transmission path between the communication terminal and a communication partner, Session control means for controlling a session between the communication terminal and a communication partner on the transmission path, and a session switching request signal for instructing switching of the session to the communication terminal power switching destination communication terminal. In the communication network system having service mobility control means for transmitting to the user profile, the user profile including the network status, the user location information, and the user's hobbies and preferences, the device type and the network connection status of each device Device profiles, including network functional elements, users and user And collected from the user of the peripheral device comprises a user-related information collection providing means for providing user-related information.

[0025] The service mobility control means generates a session switching request signal by determining whether to perform terminal switching based on the power to receive a terminal switching request signal from the communication terminal or the user related information, The session control means receives a session switching request signal, interrupts the session, instructs the mobility management means to set a transmission path with the switching destination communication terminal, and the switching destination communication. A function of establishing a session with a terminal and a function of resuming a session with the communication partner after the establishment of the session are exhibited. Thus, without interrupting communication between communication terminals, at least one communication terminal performing the communication is not performing the communication! Control to switch to another communication terminal and continue the communication is performed. In addition to the function to set and manage the data transmission path in the communication network, the end-to-end session, that is, the management and control of the logical transmission path between applications using the transmitted data Since the function and the session transfer function are exhibited, it is possible to realize smooth and seamless switching of communication terminals including session and application state management.

[0026] In addition, it is possible to determine whether or not to switch terminals according to the user's environment, and it is possible to provide service control on the network side according to the user's whereabouts and the network status It becomes. Also, provide user related information and services By separating the means for switching terminals while maintaining the means for establishing a session between terminals, more efficient network control is possible. Furthermore, it can be realized by adding service mobility control means to CSCF that performs session control in the existing 3GPP system.

[0027] Further, in the communication network control system according to the present invention, the service mobility control unit is configured to use the user related information based on the device profile of the communication terminal and the switching destination terminal, and the communication partner destination to the media. The media conversion destination determination function that acquires the switching capability information and performs media conversion by the media control means or determines whether to instruct the communication partner to change the session, and what media conversion is performed. A media conversion processing determination function for determining whether to perform the operation, wherein the service movement control means generates session change instruction media conversion instruction information based on the media conversion destination determination and the media conversion processing determination. As

[0028] Accordingly, considering the media switching capability of the communication partner and the terminal capabilities of the communication terminal and the switching destination communication terminal, the power to convert media on the network side, the communication partner should It is possible to automatically determine so that the state of the service is maintained.

[0029] Further, in the communication network control system according to the present invention, the user-related information collection and management unit manages a user's media conversion destination and a criterion for media conversion processing as a user preference, and the service mobility control The means is characterized in that it generates media conversion instruction information based on user preferences.

[0030] Thereby, the user sets his / her preferences in advance and sets which service provider has performed the media conversion and what kind of media conversion processing should be performed. It is possible to provide scalable and flexible services for both users and service providers.

[0031] Further, in the communication network control system according to the present invention, the communication terminal includes means for communicating with the switching destination communication terminal, and the switching destination communication terminal is connected to the switching destination communication terminal. Terminal capability information including terminal presence information indicating a state and address and the type, attribute, processing and available bit rate, media type, and codec type of the switching destination communication terminal is acquired, and the terminal switching request signal is: Terminal of the switching destination communication terminal Service mobility control means for generating the session switching request signal based on the terminal switching request signal and registering the terminal presence information and the terminal capability information in a device profile, including presence information and terminal capability information. It is said.

[0032] Thereby, even when the communication network side does not have information on the switching destination communication terminal, the session can be controlled and new device registration can be performed at the same time.

[0033] Further, in the communication network control system according to the present invention, the communication terminal operates as the switching destination communication terminal, and requests only a change of a connection path, not a terminal switching, by a terminal switching request signal. The service mobility control means generates a session switching signal for instructing to switch the session in the communication terminal by determining whether to switch the route based on the power to transmit the instruction or the user related information. And transmitted to the session control unit.

[0034] Thereby, when the connection is switched to a different access method or a network of a different operator at the communication terminal, the switching can be performed while maintaining the service.

The invention's effect

[0035] According to the present invention, the user can switch the communication terminal to be used by a simple operation of the button at the time of switching request according to the change of his / her situation. This can be realized by reducing labor and time loss, so that more advanced services can be enjoyed. In addition, there is an advantage that the distribution service can be continued even if the server device on the distribution side does not have to implement a new function. Furthermore, even if the capabilities between the communication terminals on the receiving side differ, the data format is optimized and transmitted according to the individual communication terminals, so there is no load on either the communication terminal side or the server device side. There is an advantage. This common service provision platform allows users to enjoy a seamless and ubiquitous service environment without being aware of differences in conventional wired and wireless networks, services, and types of communication terminals. Become.

Brief Description of Drawings

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a communication network control system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of a configuration example of a conventional communication network control system. FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a database configuration example of a user-related information collection / providing unit.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a terminal switching execution procedure in the communication network control system according to the present embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram of a communication network control system related to switching of access methods according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a path switching realization procedure in the communication network control system according to the switching of the access method of the present embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of terminal switching in a communication network control system.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of terminal switching in the communication network control system. Explanation of symbols

[0037] A ... Communication network control system, 3 ... Mobility management unit, 5 ... Session control unit, 1 1 -IP transport network, 21 ... Service mobility control unit, 31 ... User related information collection and provision Part 33 ... network status 35 ... user profile 37 ... device profile. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

The communication network control system according to the present invention uses an end-end session, that is, transmitted data, in addition to a function of setting and managing a data transmission path in a control device in the communication network. It performs logical transmission path management and control functions between applications and session transfer functions. These functions enable smooth and seamless switching of communication terminals including session and application state management.

[0039] Further, the communication terminal according to the present invention sets a session and an application to the state based on the notified state, a function for notifying the state of the session and application in order to perform terminal switching. And the function to resume is demonstrated. These functions enable smooth and seamless terminal switching while accurately maintaining the session state.

[0040] Further, the session control function and the above-described session control function are utilized by utilizing a handover and mobility management function that appropriately switches the transmission path following a change in the location and address information of a communication terminal provided in a mobile communication network or the like. Switching communication terminals by linking The function to set the transmission path at the time of transmission is realized with the minimum change of the conventional technology. And it is highly flexible and extensible! It realizes a session control function.

[0041] In the next-generation mobile communication network, it is assumed that an all-IP-based platform is constructed and used in which all data is transmitted and exchanged in the form of IP packets. In addition, a V, so-called call control separation type architecture, in which data transmission functions and control functions such as call setting and routing management are clearly separated, is being considered. In such an architecture, the transport layer, which is a lower layer, concentrates on the function of transmitting data, that is, IP packets, at high speed and efficiently, and functions such as routing (routing) control and traffic control are placed on the connection control layer. The system is configured to instruct IP packet routing, resource allocation, etc. from the connection control layer to the transport layer, thereby increasing the speed and efficiency of the entire system. In all IP-based platforms, control signals such as call control and signaling are assumed to be transmitted in the form of IP packets.

[0042] Furthermore, in the above all IP-based architecture, it is necessary to provide a service support function in order to make the network more sophisticated and value-added and to provide various communication services flexibly and freely. Is being considered. This is because the call control function that sets the physical and logical transmission paths (paths) at the end and end is mainly used in the network centering on the previous voice telephone, whereas the next generation network This means that a session control function, which is a logical connection between end-to-end communication applications, is provided in the network.

[0043] Here, a call or call connection indicates a physical and logical path (that is set) for transmitting data between end-to-end terminals to the other party. Indicates that the terminal's communication application is in a state where it can receive and process data from the application on the other party's terminal. In other words, the ability to send and receive data to and from the other terminal is ready to decide which application to use! /, Is! /, The state is call connected !, but the session is connected !, na! /, Is the state, and conversely, the application is ready to send and receive data Data transmission path If the session is lost (for example, the mobile phone moves out of range), the session is connected Then, when the call is connected, the status is changed.

Up to this point, call connection has mainly been described. In conventional voice calls, there is no particular distinction between call connection and session. However, in the case of multimedia communication or data communication, the communication terminal is connected on the transmission path established at the end end after the call connection is set up. A session between application cases is set up. In the next generation mobile communication network, it is considered to include a session control function in the network. This is because with the diversification and sophistication of communication, it has become necessary to provide functions such as connection control and communication control according to various communication forms, modes, media, etc., as well as network capabilities. For example, in the case of making a call to the other party by specifying the quality such as the voice call or the videophone, the quality such as the resolution and bit rate of the videophone, and the terminal capability, specify the terminal that meets these requirements. For example, functions that are insufficient for end-to-end negotiations, such as address resolution for communication and setting of transmission lines with appropriate quality (call control, route control), must be realized by network capabilities.

[0045] Therefore, a session control unit that performs session control is provided to manage and control the session, that is, the communication state and mode between end-end applications, and the session control function capability. It is configured to instruct and control the control function and route control function to set the transmission path with appropriate bandwidth and quality. At this time, a connection request (session setting request) with the application power of the communication terminal is sent to the session control function and processed.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the configuration of a communication network control system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication network control system A according to the present embodiment controls the IP transport network 11 for transferring IP packets and the IP transport network 11, and as described above, Advanced location management, call control, mobility management unit 3 that performs handover control (route control), and session control unit 5 that manages session establishment, and advanced user functions such as switching communication terminals while maintaining sessions It includes a service mobility control unit 21 responsible for responding to requests.

[0047] The mobility management unit 3 is equivalent to the HSS103 of IMS shown in Fig. 2, and is a functional element specially for controlling the IP transport network. Session controller 5 is the IMS C in Figure 2 Corresponding to SCF105, the service mobility control unit 21 is a new functional element for the IMS in FIG. However, the service mobility control unit 21 can also be interpreted as being realized by extending the function of the CSCF 105 in FIG. In order to perform terminal switching while continuing the service, the service movement control unit 21 receives a terminal switching instruction from the terminal to the session control unit, receives the terminal switching request from the session control unit, and receives a session switching unit from the session control unit. It is possible to transmit a switching request signal or to exchange a user status with the user-related information collecting / providing unit 31 to automatically transmit a session switching request signal according to the user status.

[0048] The user-related information collection and provision unit 31 manages the network state 33, the user profile 35 related to the user, and the device profile 37 related to the device, collects information on the functional elements of various networks, and collects each service And provide information on the functional elements of the network. This is a function obtained by further expanding the HSS 103 of the IMS 101 shown in FIG. 2, and may be realized by integrating the mobility management unit 3 and extending the function of the HSS 103 shown in FIG. The user profile 35 includes subscriber information 35-1, a user preference management function 35-2, and a user location management function 35-3. Information on the user's whereabouts can be obtained from information such as access point information from the mobility management unit 3, movement speed information, RFID in the vicinity, and GPS mounted on communication terminals.

[0049] The user's hobbies and preferences are that the user determines the type of wireless access, service type, roaming method, media conversion execution destination, and media conversion method corresponding to the user's whereabouts, moving speed, and type of device used. It is managed by a method such as setting in advance or managing the usage history as described above on the network side, estimating the user's hobbies and preferences by judging the history power.

[0050] The device profile 37 includes terminal capability information 37-1 including the terminal shape, data conversion method, video support, screen size, and the like, and terminal presence information 37-2 including the current status (location) of the terminal. Have. The device profile 37 is acquired by transmitting information from the terminal when the user registers in advance or connecting the terminal to the network and automatically managing it on the network side. Also, when the switching destination communication terminal is not registered This means that short-distance communication is used to acquire the terminal capability information of the switching destination communication terminal, which is transmitted in the communication terminal power included in the terminal switching request signal and registered in the device profile 37.

[0051] The device profile 37 and the user profile 35 are associated in accordance with the user location information and device owner information. Therefore, there are cases where a user is associated with a public device that is not the user's own device or a shared device.

[0052] Terminal capability information related to the terminal capability managed by the terminal capability management 37-1 includes terminal type, attributes, processing, IP address and available bit rate, media type and codec type, screen size, CPU It is information indicating the capability and connectable network. The terminal presence information managed by the terminal presence management function 37-2 indicates the type and status of the application currently being executed and the current location information of the terminal. The network status 33 is information on the type of wireless access from the mobility management unit 3, QoS information from the session control unit 5, session status information, media conversion status information of the media conversion unit, and information being executed on the communication terminal. It also manages the network status (transmission rate, radio system, QoS, etc.) that is currently connected to the terminal registered in the device profile, which is acquired based on the application status information and is not only based on the network status of the communication terminal. Of the above, the essential components are network status 33, subscriber information 35-1, and terminal capability function 37-1.

[0053] Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the database of the network status, user profile, and device profile. The database is described in an abstract description using a language such as XML (extensible Markup Language). The database information is managed and provided to the service movement control unit 21 (FIG. 1, which will be described below by omitting the figure numbers).

As shown in FIG. 3, for example, a network state 41, a user profile 43, and a device profile 45 are associated with each other. The network state 41 includes a terminal (1) 41-1, a terminal (2) 41-2, and a terminal (3) 41-3. For example, for the terminal (1) 41-1, W-CDMA as access method, multimedia power as QoS class, voice communication as session state, file exchange power 10Mbps as bit rate, base station 1 as location, route information A—B—C… Yes. User profile 43, for example, is information about the user (1) 43-1 who is the owner of the terminal (1) 41-1 and includes subscriber information, preferences, location information, and the like. Yes. In this case, it is indicated that the owner of the terminal (2) 41-2 is also the user 1. Device profile 45 describes the terminal capability information of terminal (1) 41-1 such as mobile communication terminal, screen size, number of CPU clocks, codec, access method, and IP address. The terminal presence information includes longitude / latitude information, location information, moving speed, communication status, presence / absence and type of running application, and the like. The information on the terminal (2) 41-2 also includes information such as whether or not communication is possible as terminal presence information as terminal capability information as terminal capability information. These pieces of information 41, 43, and 45 are related based on the owner, communication status, location, and the like.

[0055] When information on a certain user is requested from the service movement control unit 21, a terminal owned by the user, a terminal in the vicinity of the user's location, and the like are associated with each other, and the service movement control unit as an associated information group Provided on 21.

[0056] The media control unit 7 corresponds to an extension of the MRF and MGCF / MGW 107 of the IMS 101. Responds to media conversion requests from session controller 5, controls and executes media conversion such as content bit rate, codec, image size and media format. When converting media after switching the terminal, after the session is resumed, the media is converted by buffering to the unit that can convert the media. At this time, since re-encoding is performed, an authentication function such as a digital watermark may be added to the content.

[0057] The functional elements of these communication network control systems are shown as a single module in each figure for the sake of simplicity. Actually, in the case of roaming, the communication partner is outside the same network. Considering this case, the functional elements as described above exist at each network destination and roaming destination and are not realized by a single module. In the description of the embodiment, such exchanges are simplified as a single process.

[0058] In addition, the communication terminal is not shown in the figure! A user interface including an image display device and an input device, and wireless such as infrared, Bluetooth (registered trademark), or UWB that is expected to be realized in the future. Wired communication such as communication method or USB method The terminal switching request function, terminal ID notification function, session state reproduction function, session management function, session state transmission function, call request 'response function, and location registration function are provided. To do. The communication partner may be an application server device or a communication terminal.

Next, terminal switching procedures will be described with reference to FIG. Refer to Figure 1 as appropriate.

First, the communication terminal 23 generates a terminal switching request signal, and at that time, it is necessary to specify which terminal to switch to. Using short-range wireless communication with the switching destination terminal 25 to obtain terminal information of the switching destination communication terminal 25 and creating a terminal switching request signal (C300), a list of terminals that the communication terminal 25 can switch to It is possible to use a method in which the user selects the switching destination communication terminal 25 and issues a terminal switching request signal creation instruction in a state acquired from the user-related information collection / providing unit 31 (C301). The terminal switching request signal may include the session state of the communication terminal 23 and the application state. Alternatively, the service movement control unit 21 regularly exchanges information with the user-related information collection and provision unit 31 to determine whether the user environment is in a state where terminal switching should be performed. Is also good (C301,).

[0060] As an example of a state in which terminal switching should be performed, a communication terminal (

# 1) If the network status of the switching destination communication terminal (# 2) 25 is more stable than the network status of 23, or if the network of the switching destination communication terminal (# 2) 25 is faster There is a high possibility of switching to. Alternatively, using the user preference information, the user location information, and the terminal presence information, there are two terminals that the user can use at the current user location, and the user preferentially uses this location ( (Determined based on user preference information) means that switching is performed when it is determined that the switching destination terminal (# 2) 25 is used.

[0061] The service movement control unit 21 requests and acquires information about the user profile 35, the device profile 37, and the network state 33 from the user related information collection and provision unit 31. If the terminal information of the switching destination communication terminal is included in the terminal switching request signal of C301, the terminal information is registered in the device profile 37 (C302). Next, the service movement control unit 21 determines whether the user related information collection / providing unit 31 Based on the acquired user profile 35, device profile 37, and network status 33, the necessity of media conversion is determined.

[0062] If it is determined that media conversion is necessary based on the user's hobby orientation or the difference in capability between the communication terminal 23 and the switching destination communication terminal 25, the communication partner 17 inquires whether the media conversion is possible. Request is made to the session control unit 5 as follows (C303). However, this procedure can be omitted if the media conversion capability of the communication partner is acquired when acquiring the above user profile 35, device profile 37, and network status 31.

[0063] The session control unit 5 queries the communication partner 17 for the media conversion capability, acquires the media conversion capability information, and notifies the service mobility control unit 21 of the media conversion capability information (C304, C305, C306). ).

[0064] Upon receiving the media conversion capability information, the service movement control unit 21 determines the necessity of media conversion destination selection, media conversion processing content selection, and session state change from the information acquired so far. Is transmitted to the session control unit 5 (C307), and the session control unit 5 instructs the mobility management unit 3 to set a route (C308). When the route setting is completed, a response (ACK) is returned from the mobility management unit 3 (C309). At the time of this route setting, if the switching destination communication terminal 25 is not active, call processing is performed. At this point, the two routes of communication partner 17 and communication terminal 23, communication partner 17 and switching destination communication terminal 25 are set, and if two routes can be set at the same time, such as multicast, However, if it is not possible to set two routes, processing such as holding one of them is required.

[0065] Next, session control unit 5 transmits to session terminal 23 a session switching preparation signal indicating that preparations for session switching have been made, and communication terminal 23 has the ability to approve session switching. Is returned (C310, C311). When the terminal is automatically switched from the network side, this is a message for confirming whether or not the terminal switching to the communication terminal 23 is allowed. The session control unit 5 requests the communication partner 17 to interrupt the session. When an ACK is returned from the communication partner 17, the session control unit 5 establishes a session with the switching destination communication terminal 25, and during this time, the switching destination communication terminal 25 starts the application (C312 to C315). [0066] In accordance with the media conversion instruction included in the session switching request signal, the session control unit 5 instructs the media control unit 7 or the communication partner 17 to perform media conversion (C316, C317, C316 ', C317). '). Subsequently, the session is resumed and the session with the communication terminal is disconnected (C318, C319, C320). At this time, the transmission path is also disconnected by the mobility management unit 3. Finally, a signal indicating that session switching has been completed is transmitted from the session control unit 5 to the service mobility control unit 21 (C321). As a result, communication between the communication partner 17 and the switching destination terminal 25 can be started.

Next, an example of the configuration of a communication network control system according to the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. As shown in FIG. 6, the communication network control system B according to the present embodiment has one force communication terminal 22 that is basically the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1, and the access method (1) 22— 1 and access method (2) 22-2. The essential components of the user-related information collecting / providing unit 31 shown in FIG. 6 are a network state 33, subscriber information 35-1, a user location management function 35-3, and a terminal capability management function 37-1.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a procedure for switching access methods in the same terminal. Up to now, with reference to FIG. 1 and FIG. 4, the procedure for switching between the communication terminal (# 1) 23 and the switching destination communication terminal (# 2) 25 has been described. The procedure for switching the route and session between access method 2 and access method 2 is described. The communication terminal 22 has two access methods, for example, an access method 1 based on W-CDMA mobile communication means and an access method 2 based on wireless communication means for performing high-speed communication at a hot spot such as a wireless LAN. It shall have. The different access methods are shown as access method 1 (22—1) and access method 2 (22-2)!

[0069] What access method the communication terminal 22 has is managed by the terminal capability management function 37-1 of the user-related information collection and provision unit 31. The network status 33 in the user-related information collection and provision unit 31 manages the route of the access method 1 (22-1), the route of the access method 2 (22-2), and the status of each network. The service mobility control unit 21 is provided with the types of wireless access methods.

[0070] There is a possibility that management / control operating systems such as multimedia subsystem and mobility management may differ between access method 1 (22-1) and access method 2 (22-2). You The related information collecting and providing unit 31 may be operated by a third party company different from the network operator, and may play a role of providing information to the service mobility control unit 21 by collecting network operator capability information. . In addition, a single network operator may manage all of the user-related information collection and provision unit 31, the service mobility control unit 21, and different access methods. Therefore, it is desirable that the interface between the user-related information collection / providing unit 31 and each network node is standardized. The user profile management function 35-3 in the user profile is used when the available access methods are set by the user's location. For example, information indicating that the user is within the service area of the hot spot is managed by associating the location of the hot spot with the position of the user. Further, the terminal presence management information may be used to identify the position of the terminal and manage that the terminal is within the hot spot service range.

In the description of the procedure in FIG. 4, terminal switching has been described, but route change in the same terminal will be described with reference to FIG. The same basic flow can be used. However, the terminal switching request signal is changed to a path switching request signal. The terminal switching request signal includes the capability of the switching destination communication terminal, but this information is not required when switching within the same terminal. The route switching request signal includes the switching destination access method, switching destination radio wave status, switching destination routing address, switching destination domain name, switching destination bit rate, and the like (C401).

In addition, as described with reference to FIG. 4, it is also possible to automatically change the route from the network side. In this case, the user related information collection providing unit 31 and the service movement control unit 21 A switching decision is made (C401 '). The switching decision is mainly made based on information provided from the network status and the terminal presence management function. For example, the communication terminal can use two access methods, and the other access method is currently used. The switch is instructed when it is detected that the higher access method can communicate at a higher bit rate. If media conversion is required according to the bit rate or QoS, the media conversion procedure is performed. However, since they are the same terminal, there is no need for conversion due to differences in terminal types and attributes, as in the case of Fig. 4. Session interruption processing can be omitted when media conversion is not performed, and application startup processing is not required. For example, in a session When there is no need to change the information related to access, the access method may be switched simply by instructing the mobility management unit to change the route. The instruction is created by the service movement control unit, and a session switching request signal including a specific instruction is transmitted. As a result, the access method can be smoothly changed in the same terminal.

[0073] According to the embodiment of the present invention, the user can easily switch the communication terminal to be used only by a simple button operation at the time of a switching request in accordance with a change in his / her situation. As a result, it is possible to greatly reduce the time and labor of operation compared to the prior art, and to enjoy more advanced services.

[0074] Also, the server device on the distribution side has an advantage that the distribution service can be continued without specially installing a new function. In addition, even if the capabilities of the communication terminals on the receiving side differ, the data format is optimized and transmitted according to the individual communication terminals, giving a heavy load on both the communication terminal side and the server device side. There is an advantage that there is no. With this common service provision platform, users are no longer aware of differences in conventional wired 'wireless networks' services, types of communication terminals, etc., and enjoy a seamless and ubiquitous service environment. Is possible.

Industrial applicability

The present invention can be used for switching the terminal itself or the communication method of the terminal.

Claims

The scope of the claims

[1] The second communication terminal is connected to the second communication terminal without interrupting communication between the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal communicating with the first communication terminal. A communication network control system for controlling to switch to a third communication terminal different from the first communication terminal and to continue communication between the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal,

Mobility management means for setting and managing physical and logical transmission paths between communication terminals;

Session control means for controlling a session between communication terminals on the transmission path, and service movement control means for instructing the session control means to switch the session;

User-related information used when switching sessions, including user-related information including at least one of a network state, a user profile related to a user, and a device profile related to a device. User-related information collection and provision means

A communication network control system comprising:

[2] The service mobility control means determines whether to perform terminal switching based on the power to receive a terminal switching request signal from the second communication terminal or based on the user-related information. Produces

The session control means receives the session switching request signal, interrupts the session, and instructs the mobility management means to set a transmission path with the third communication terminal; 2. The function of establishing a session with the third communication terminal and a function of resuming a session with the communication partner after the session is established. The communication network control system described.

[3] The user profile includes at least one of user subscriber information, user location information, and user hobbies, and the device profile includes at least one of device type and status information of each device. The communication network control system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized by the above.

[4] The service movement control unit instructs the session control unit to perform a session switching request based on information from the user-related information collecting / providing unit or a terminal switching request from the second communication terminal. The communication network control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein

[5] The user-related information collection / providing means provides related information based on owner information and location information when a request for providing information about the user is received from the service movement control means. The communication network control system according to claim 1 or 2

[6] The network-driven communication terminal switching process is started based on the network status and terminal capability information between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal provided from the user-related information collecting / providing means. The communication network control system according to claim 5, wherein:

[7] Furthermore, it has media conversion means on the network,

The communication network control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the service movement control means generates information instructing about media and sends the information to the session control means together with a session switching request.

8. The determination as to whether or not to perform the media conversion process is made based on terminal capabilities and network conditions of the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal. The communication network control system described in 1.

9. The communication network control system according to claim 7, wherein an instruction relating to a conversion destination of the media and a method for the conversion processing of the media is determined based on user preferences.

10. The communication network control system according to claim 7, wherein the media conversion destination is determined based on the media conversion capability of the communication partner and the conversion capability of the media conversion means on the network. .

11. The service mobility control means generates information instructing to request a request for acquiring media conversion capability from a network connected to the first communication terminal. Communication network control system.

12. The communication network control system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the second communication terminal designates a switching destination communication terminal and sends it to the network together with a terminal switching request.

[13] At least one of the terminal capability and terminal presence information of the third communication terminal acquired by exchanging information with the third communication terminal in advance by short-range communication 13. The communication network control system according to claim 12, wherein the communication network control system is included in a terminal switching request.

14. The communication network control system according to claim 12, wherein instruction information on a media conversion destination and a media conversion processing method is performed together with a terminal switching request.

[15] suspending communication between the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal communicating with the first communication terminal, the second communication terminal having a plurality of access methods A communication network control system that performs control to continue the communication by switching the communication method to at least one access method by performing the communication and switching to another access method.

Session control means for controlling a session between communication terminals on the transmission path; service mobility control means for instructing the session control means to switch the session;

A user-related information collecting / providing means for collecting and providing user-related information including at least one of a network state, a user profile related to a user, and a device profile related to a device;

The service movement control means generates a session switching request signal based on the information from the user related information collection and provision means or the access method switching request signal from the communication terminal, and instructs the session control means. Communication network control system characterized by this.

[16] The user-related information collection / providing means is a service movement control means force information related to the user based on the owner information and the location information when there is a request for information about the user. 16. The communication network control system according to claim 15, wherein the service movement control means is provided.

[17] The access point according to claim 15, wherein the activation of the access method switching process initiated by the network is determined based on at least one of presence information and network state of the communication terminal. Communication network control system.

18. The communication network control system according to claim 17, wherein switching of the network-driven access method is performed based on the user location information and the user preference.

[19] Further, media conversion means is provided in the network, and in the media conversion means, the service movement control means generates information instructed by the media conversion destination and the media conversion processing method. The communication network control system according to claim 15,

20. The communication network control system according to claim 19, wherein the media conversion processing method is determined based on a network state between a current access method and a switching destination access method.

21. The communication network control system according to claim 20, wherein an instruction regarding the media conversion destination and the media conversion processing method is performed based on the user preference.

22. The communication network control according to claim 21, wherein the media conversion destination is determined based on at least one of a media conversion capability of a communication partner and a network conversion capability of a network. system.

23. The communication network control system according to claim 22, wherein the service movement control means instructs the communication partner network to make a request for acquiring media conversion capability.

24. The communication network control system according to claim 15, wherein the second communication terminal designates a switching destination access method, and transmits the access method switching request signal to the network.

[25] At least one of the media conversion destination and the instruction information of the media conversion processing method The communication network control system according to claim 24, wherein either one of them is included in the access method switching request.

[26] Session switching when a physical and logical transmission path is set between the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal communicating with the first communication terminal. Collecting user-related information that is used at times, including at least one of a network state, a user profile for the user, and a device profile for the device;

When switching of a session between communication terminals is instructed on the transmission path, the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal are based on the collected user-related information according to the session switching instruction. The second communication terminal is switched to a third communication terminal different from the second communication terminal and the communication between the first communication terminal and the third communication terminal is not interrupted. Steps to switch sessions to continue communication

A communication network control method comprising:

27. The communication network control method according to claim 26, further comprising a step of providing related information based on owner information and location information when a request for information on the user is made. .

[28] Initiating network-driven terminal switching based on at least one of a network state and terminal capability information between the second communication terminal and the third communication terminal. 27. The communication network control method according to claim 26, wherein

[29] The communication network according to [26], wherein a step of generating information to be instructed according to a media conversion destination and a media conversion processing method, and an instruction of a session relating to session switching is performed based on the information Control method.

30. The communication network control method according to claim 29, wherein the media conversion destination is determined based on a media conversion capability of a communication partner and a conversion capability of a network media conversion means.

31. The communication device according to claim 30, further comprising a step of generating information instructing the communication partner network to request a request for acquiring the media conversion capability. Network control method.

[32] A physical and logical transmission path is set between the first communication terminal and the second communication terminal that communicates with the first communication terminal and has multiple access methods. In the status, collecting user-related information that is used when switching sessions, and includes at least one of a network status, a user profile related to the user, and a device profile related to the device. And when the switching of the session between the communication terminals is instructed on the transmission path, the first communication terminal and the first communication terminal based on the collected user related information in response to the switching instruction of the session To continue communication by switching the access method in the second communication terminal without interrupting communication with the second communication terminal. Step to switch the session for

A communication network control method comprising:

[33] The method according to claim 32, further comprising a step of providing related information based on owner information and position information of the communication terminal when a request for information on the user is made. Communication network control method.

[34] The access control switching process initiated by the network is determined based on at least one of presence information and network status of the communication terminal. Communication network control system.

[35] A step of generating information instructing according to a media conversion destination and a media conversion processing method;

The communication network control method according to claim 32, wherein a session instruction relating to session switching is performed based on the information.

36. The communication network control method according to claim 35, wherein the media conversion destination is determined based on a media conversion capability of a communication partner and a conversion capability of a network media conversion means.

[37] The communication network control method according to [36], further comprising the step of generating information instructing to request the network of the communication partner to obtain a request for acquiring the media conversion capability.

[38] Mobility management means for setting and managing physical and logical transmission paths between communication terminals, session control means for controlling sessions between communication terminals on the transmission paths, and session switching Service movement control means for instructing the session control means, user-related information used at the time of session switching, including a network state, a user profile for the user, and a device profile for the device. A communication terminal used in a communication network control system comprising user-related information collection and provision means for collecting user-related information including at least one of the above and providing it to the service movement control means,

A communication terminal that makes a terminal switching request to the service mobility control means, and that the communication terminal designates a switching destination communication terminal and transmits it to the network in a terminal switching request.

[39] The communication terminal performs information exchange with the switching destination communication terminal in advance by short-range communication, and includes the switching destination terminal capability and terminal presence information in the terminal switching request. The communication terminal according to claim 38.

[40] The communication terminal according to [38], wherein instruction information on a media conversion destination and a media conversion processing method is included in the terminal switching request.

[41] Mobility management means for setting and managing physical and logical transmission paths between communication terminals, session control means for controlling sessions between communication terminals on the transmission paths, and session switching Service movement control means for instructing the session control means, user-related information used at the time of session switching, including a network state, a user profile for the user, and a device profile for the device. In a communication network control system comprising user-related information collection and provision means for collecting user-related information including at least one of the above and providing it to the service movement control means, the first communication terminal and the first communication A second communication terminal that communicates with the terminal and has multiple access methods Performing at least one access method for performing the communication without interrupting communication with the communication terminal of the second communication terminal, and switching to another access method to perform the control to continue the communication. A second communication terminal, wherein the second communication terminal specifies a switching destination access method And a second communication terminal, which is included in the access method switching request signal and transmitted to the network.

42. The second communication terminal according to claim 41, wherein at least one of media conversion destination and instruction information on the media conversion processing method is included in the access method switching request.